Stephen Addiss

This is a catalogue for a touring exhibition of Japanese paintings, with selections from the Kurt and Millie Gitter Collection. 22 Zenga artists and 33 Nanga painters are included.

The present catalogue covers the historical development of both schools, during the Tokugawa era.

Badass. A treasure chest of emaciated ghouls and conniving toads. I got this for one image that has more profoundly affected me than any other. Behold: impassive humanoid ghost staring soundlessly down at a ship in the tsunami.

I have never cared much for poetry, but wow. It turns out that I looooove Japanese haiku. (I think if I'd known that haiku are usually about the seasons and nature, I might have gotten interested sooner.) These poems are so simple and beautiful. Since they're only three short lines, they're very much like snapshots, and the scene that pops into your head is as much a part of the poem as the actual words. Just gorgeous.

I love this book - Haikus with fun prints - its a perfect book. And, the translators have managed to keep the haiku structure (mostly). For the most part, these are easily understood by an American Audience. A few of the haikus I found hard to understand.

A totally enjoyable read, especially if you like good poetry in Haiku form!